Former Police Officer and Wasilla Resident Sentenced 37 Months for Possession of Child Pornography

ANCHORAGE – Matthew William Schwier, a 39-year-old man from Wasilla, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography in his home. Court documents revealed that Schwier had knowingly possessed over 100 still images and multiple videos depicting children being sexually abused. Schwier pleaded guilty on August 31, 2022, to the charge of knowingly possessing child pornography. Following his prison term, Schwier will be on federal supervised release for 7 years. He has also been ordered to pay $15,000.00 in restitution to his victims and must register as a sex offender. Additionally, Schwier will require permission from the U.S. Probation Office to access the internet after his release.

The child pornography collection discovered in Schwier's possession spanned multiple computers and included images depicting the sexual abuse of infants, toddlers, and children subjected to violent abuse. The evidence suggests that Schwier may have utilized his specialized law enforcement training and advanced computer skills to facilitate and attempt to conceal his crimes.

Prior to his arrest, Schwier had worked in technical support, computer repair, and as a supervisor of video surveillance for a private security company. He had also served as a police officer in various locations, including Phoenix, Arizona; Roswell, New Mexico; Elk Point, South Dakota; and Nome, Alaska. The FBI investigation into Schwier began around 2016 when he distributed child pornography to an undercover law enforcement officer over the internet. At the time of his arrest in 2017, Schwier was employed as the Justice Director for the Chickaloon Village Traditional Counsel. The prosecution was prepared to present evidence that Schwier had a reputation for being untruthful within the law enforcement community.

U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska stated, "The Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue, arrest, and prosecute offenders who traffic in child pornography. This case demonstrates that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold criminals accountable without fear or favor, including corrupt former law enforcement officers like Mr. Schwier."

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Donald W. Lee II of the FBI Anchorage Field Office emphasized the importance of the sentencing, saying, "May this sentencing serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and concealing evidence of child exploitation will not go undetected. As these crimes perpetuate the re-victimization of innocent children, the FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to identify and hold accountable those who contribute to the online sexual exploitation of children."

The court proceedings were significantly delayed due to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Alexander, Charisse Arce, Kelly Cavanaugh, Kyle Reardon, Christopher Schroeder, and Jonas Walker over the course of six years. The FBI conducted the investigation.

This case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood coordinates efforts to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

FBI Statement Regarding Suspicious Letters Sent to Public Officials

“The FBI is investigating a series of suspicious letters sent to a number of public officials. Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident and safely collect the letters. Laboratory testing is ongoing but at this time has not indicated a risk to public safety. Additional testing will be needed to fully identify the unknown substance in the letters.

Law enforcement and public safety officials are working to determine how many letters were sent, the individual or individuals responsible for the letters, and the motive behind the letters. As this is an ongoing matter, we will not be commenting further regarding our steps or methods, but the public can be assured that law enforcement will continue to keep the public's safety as its top priority.

The FBI would also like to remind everyone to exercise care in handling mail, especially from unrecognized senders. If you see something suspicious, please contact law enforcement immediately.”

Former FBI Analyst Sentenced for Illegally Retaining Classified Documents

Kansas City, MO - Kendra Kingsbury, a former intelligence analyst with the Kansas City Division of the FBI, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for unlawfully retaining documents related to the national defense. The sentencing took place today in federal court before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough. Kingsbury, 50, pleaded guilty to two counts of illegally retaining classified documents on October 13, 2022, in violation of the Espionage Act.

During her more than 12 years as an intelligence analyst with the FBI, from 2004 to December 15, 2017, Kingsbury had access to national defense and classified information. Despite being explicitly warned not to retain classified materials at her personal residence, Kingsbury admitted to repeatedly removing sensitive government documents and retaining them in her home in North Kansas City, Missouri.

In total, Kingsbury unlawfully kept approximately 386 classified documents at her residence, some of which contained highly sensitive national defense information. The documents she retained revealed important and secretive methods employed by the government in collecting essential national security intelligence. Kingsbury's actions posed a risk to national security as the classified information could have fallen into the wrong hands.

Investigators discovered that Kingsbury also destroyed other documents over the years that potentially contained classified and/or national defense information. The unlawfully retained documents included electronic files stored on hard drives, compact discs, and other storage media.

Among the national defense information unlawfully retained by Kingsbury were documents classified at the SECRET level from the FBI. These documents described intelligence sources, methods, counterterrorism efforts, counterintelligence activities, and the FBI's technical capabilities against counterintelligence and counterterrorism targets. Additionally, Kingsbury retained classified documents from another government agency, which contained intelligence related to collecting information on terrorist groups, including details on al Qaeda members and their activities in Africa.

The FBI's investigation into Kingsbury's actions raised concerns and questions regarding her use of the classified documents. Suspicious calls made by Kingsbury to individuals associated with subjects of counterterrorism investigations were uncovered during a review of her telephone records. These individuals also contacted Kingsbury, but the reason for their communication remains unknown. Kingsbury declined to provide further information to the government.

The case is being investigated by the FBI Omaha Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Edwards from the Western District of Missouri and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee from the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

The sentencing of Kendra Kingsbury underscores the seriousness with which the retention of classified information is treated under the Espionage Act. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding national security and maintaining the integrity of sensitive government materials.